Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa on Monday after a strong earthquake hit the country.

In the message, Xi mourned the dead and extended condolences to families of the victims and those injured.

Xi expressed the belief that under the leadership of President Correa and the Ecuadoran government, the Ecuadoran people will surely be able to overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes.

A magnitude-7.8 earthquake occurred at 06:58 p.m. local time (2358 GMT) Saturday off Ecuador's northwest coast.

The earthquake has left at least 262 dead and 2,527 others injured, Ecuador's Vice President Jorge Glas said Sunday.